Mazda Motor Corporation has released a freshened edition of the Mazda Demio with
greatly improved fuel economy, a modified exterior, and loaded with extra
equipment. Known as Mazda2 in overseas markets, the freshened Demio goes
on sale today at Mazda, Mazda Anfini and Mazda Autozam dealerships throughout
Japan.

The new Demio features great improvement in fuel efficiency; all models--including
the e-4WD--exceed Japan’s 2010 fuel economy standard by five percent.
Furthermore, all models have been certified as a Super Ultra-Low Emission
Vehicle (SU-LEV) to meet the 2005 emissions reduction standard of 75%.
This makes all models eligible for the highest level of the green tax
plan that reduces user taxes (motor vehicle tax plus the vehicle excise
tax) by 32,000 yen per unit.

The new models’ exterior features a more distinctive, prominent
design. The Casual grade gives a warm and friendly impression with its
enlarged headlamps, and by reducing the prominence of the front grille
and front and rear bumpers. The SPORT grade boasts design changes to the
front grille and other aeroparts, newly added 16-inch alloy wheels and
tires, and smoky-colored rear combination lamps--all of which renders
a far sportier external facade. There are twelve varieties of body colors
available, from lavender-tinted (Iris Blue Mica*), tea (Mocha Mica*), charcoal
(Carbon Grey Mica*) and the limited-availability Blazing Yellow Pearl
Mica, which is exclusive to the SPORT model.** These color names are for the Japanese market only.

Powered by a 1.3-liter engine, the sporty grade “Casual Aeroactive” is
a new model addition, which features such standard equipment as 15-inch
alloy wheels and tires, aeroparts, tinted rear windows, etc. Popular equipment
retained from the Cozy model, such as beige interior, wood door trim garnish,
and silver door trim switch panels is now available for the casual model
as a factory-installed option.

Additionally, the Demio’s driveability and comfort have been further
improved through the addition of advanced equipment such as keyless entry
and starter systems, automatic lighting, rain-activated wipers, music
hard disc drive (HDD) system, to name a few.

The Demio’s sales target for the Japanese market is set at 4,500
units per month.

Features of the freshened Demio:All models are of the highest level of fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness for Green Tax compliance.

A broad array of improvements has resulted in significant gains
in fuel efficiency when in 10-15 mode; for example, a nine percent
improvement for a 1.3-liter engine automatic transmission model.
All models have achieved reductions in vehicle emissions to meet
the highest standards.

Fuel
efficiency
Engine features:

-

By employing an EGR cooler and electric throttle, the
Demio attains an increased volume of exhaust gas recirculation
(EGR) and;

-

Partial energy recovery during deceleration due to an electrical
discharge control system;

This model features a delightful design and sense of comfort
that comes from suppressing sharp angles and by developing a warm
and friendly exterior body shape, and its high quality surfaces
invoke a calm and sophisticated reaction when inside.

Exterior features:

-

This model has a newly designed front grille, as well
as:

-

Warm and inviting larger headlights.

-

Front bumper with more subdued angles and a rounded rear bumper
with reduced overhang;

-

Newly designed fourteen-inch full hubcaps and new fifteen-inch
alloy wheels (elegance type).

Interior features:
Two types of interior packages are possible for the Casual:

Cozy package (as a factory-installed option)
This package is styled with two base colors; black (for the upper
part of the instrument panel) and beige (for the seat and door
trim). It also has honeycomb patterned walnut beige seats with
a natural texture, softer-colored wood grain door trim panel
garnish, silver door trim switches, and meter rings with silver
highlights. This inspires a spacious and relaxing atmosphere.

Walnut Beige Interior (Cozy factory-installed option
package)

[SPORT model]
The aggressive features of this model’s exterior design, complemented
by the base black color and silver decorations in the interior, give
a sporty and quality feeling to the overall design.
Exterior features:

-

The newly designed front grille (bar type) and aeroparts
(large aero bumper, front and rear aero parts, and side spoiler)
distinguish the refreshed Demio from its forebears. Also, there
are:

It has a silver meter ring that contrasts with the black
interior, for a heightened sense of sportiness.

-

The 2 DIN audio kit, which can be configured to accommodate a wide
variety of audio systems.

Enhanced dynamic performance

-

The freshened Demio’s body stiffness has been improved
by reinforcing the tunnel member, cross-member and the rear end panel.
Better handling performance has resulted from further precise operation
of the suspension.

-

A review of the master cylinder’s function resulted in a more
nimble driving feel, as brake response corresponds to the degree of pressure
exerted on the brake pedal--from a light touch to applying heavy force
to the brake pedal.

-

Improved damping force--only for the SPORT model--is achieved with
the special tuned suspension that raises the front stabilizer. This boosts
stability when driving on winding roads.

Functional and comfortable new equipment that makes driving more fun and comfortable

-

The pinion assist power steering system delivers the proper
degree of driving feel to the driver depending on the vehicle speed.
It provides a light touch when parking, yet also furnishes a secure
feeling at high speed.

-

Factory-installed advanced keyless entry and starter systems enable
users to lock/unlock the door by pressing the request button located
on the door handle, and to start/stop the engine by rotating the start
knob mounted on the steering column or activating by a card key.

-

The automatic light system turns on the headlights when the sensor
detects ambient darkness (factory-installed option). When entering
a tunnel, headlights are automatically turned on and turn off upon
exit.

-

As a factory-installed option, an auto rain sensor that activates
automatically when rain falls can be installed. Windshield wiper speeds
change according to severity of rain.

-

The music HDD can store about 3,000 files (as a factory-installed
option). It has various editing functions and play modes to offer all
types of fun, new musical experiences.

-

A variety of options are offered, such as a white canvas top (as
a factory-installed option) that induces a sense of freedom and can
be matched with the medium gray interior of the Casual. Interior spot
lamps and vanity mirror lamps (for both seats) are installed.

-

A convenient and stylish Mazda retractable-type key that has an embedded
transmitter is also included as standard equipment.